- Definition
When a note is played "staccato," it means it's played very short and separate from the notes around it, like a quick, bouncy sound.
Singing 'ha-ha-ha' with quick, separate sounds is an example of staccato.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Staccato notes are like taking quick, light hops on one foot instead of slow, connected walking steps.
Ask your child: How would you clap a staccato rhythm?
Common mix-up: Kids often think staccato means playing fast. The key idea is that each note is short and separate, no matter the speed of the music.
Examples
- The quick pecking sound of a woodpecker is a natural staccato.
- Plucking a violin string so the sound stops right away.
- Tapping your pencil on a desk to make sharp, separate sounds.
staccato is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
